Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Can you believe it? It's the very last day of May and June is on it's way!

Oh, how I love Summer... let's hold on to it as long as we can!!! Well, Summer doesn't officially start for 3 weeks, but I know many feel that Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start - as I do, too!

June 19th is Fathers Day - so I just added the Favorite TV or Movie Father Poll. Vote for one or as many as you like!

Lily MacDougal (Thompson) and Conor MacDougal (Brand) are single parents who share the same surname, but have little else in common. Lily and Conor have each brought their children to Scotland to enter a national Clan Mac-type affair called the "Meeting of the Macs." But when a careless booking agent accidentally assigns Lily's family and Conor's to the same cabin, a civil war ensues reminiscent of the War of Scottish Independence. Through a series of mishaps, Lily and Conor struggle to get along as their families are now entered into the competition as a single team, which further means they will need to get along in order to get ahead and win. Will the warring "Macs" set aside personal differences for the greater good, or will it take another Treaty of Edinburgh to bring peace back to the tiny Scottish hamlet?

Monday, May 30, 2011

I hope many of you saw the PBS National Memorial Day Concert. It was very well done - respectful, moving, and deeply inspiring. Listening to those stories of bravery and loss, our family wept. I am so deeply proud of our Military and each time I hear these stories, I feel even more proud of our troops and America!

I am so proud to be an American... God bless America!!!

If you missed this special show, Sunday evening... it may replay in your area tonight - May 30th. I checked my local PBS - and they are playing it late - at 3 AM. Please check yours and record it if you have to. It's a great program for honoring what the true meaning of Memorial Day is - a day to honor our Troops, our Freedom, and Country.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Memorial Day is...(definition excerpted from Wikipedia) a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30th, in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end. Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the civil war, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 (since 1911 - this is the 100th Centennial Race) and the Coca-Cola 600 (since 1960) auto races.

I hope you all have a very nice weekend. Memorial Day has always been a memorable time in our family to remember and honor those who have passed away by placing flowers at their graveside. I don't know if people do it as much as they used to. I suppose that is why the name was changed from Decoration Day (decorating the graves) to Memorial Day.Also, on this Holiday Weekend, We honor those who serve our Great Country! God Bless Our Troops, past and present!

*If you are wondering about Family Movies for this Weekend, please see the Family TV Schedule.

There will be a wonderful Marathon of Episodes of The Waltons that honor our Military on the INSP Network. PBS will air it's annual National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday Evening - check your local PBS channel. The National Memorial Day Parade airs Monday at 2 PM on the Military Channel.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

As American Idol aired on TV last night, storms went through the Midwest and through my state, as well. Fortunately, though we were in a Tornado Warning, the storm ended up being mild for us, though we were unsure and a little scared, for a time.

I cannot imagine the heartache others are going through now and have in recent months. Our Family prays for those who are searching for loved ones, those looking through rubble, and those who survived, but lost everything else. May God be with you and be your comfort.

After the storm had passed our area, our family watched bits and pieces of American Idol. (we recorded it) It was great because we could fast forward through any performance we didn't care for - and there were plenty.

Lauren sang sweetly, especially the song she sang about her Mother the night before, but she just couldn't beat Scotty McCreery, who won over everyones' hearts

"Baby Lock the Door and Turn the Lights Down Low".... Scotty McCreery is the American Idol Season 10 Winner. He was definitely my choice and I think he will be truly welcomed into the country music industry. I hope he stays as sweet, humble, solid, and down-home, as he appeared to be on the show.

After winning, Scotty immediately thanked the Lord for getting him there. I pray he remains close to his faith and his roots.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Okay, this site is all about Family Movies, but our Family does watch a few Reality Shows, too. If you don't like them - then, please skip this post. If you enjoy a few, like we do - then, please read on...

(Please Note: I do not recommend all of these shows for family viewing - mostly due to Language)

Reality Shows:

American Idol - I stopped watching it a few years back, yet, after hearing about Scotty McCreery, I just had to turn in. I've been a Josh Turner fan for years, so when I learned about Scotty singing his songs... well, I just had to check it out, and after hearing Scotty sing Long Black Train, I'm totally a fan. He's fantastic! Plus, it was great to see him singing with Josh Turner, too... Go Scotty!

Biggest Loser - I have always been drawn to this show, though I've never been overweight, myself. We have watched it ever since Alison Sweeney became the host. I love watching each of their transformations - it's like watching a flower bloom! This time around, my favorite is Hannah, although, they have all been so nice - I like them all and hope they all do well.

Celebrity Apprentice - We enjoy the project building and how the creative process works and sometimes, how it doesn't work. It's a fascinating process. This time around, I've been cheering one celeb mainly along the way... John Rich! I was so glad he won.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Disney Channel Original Movies, for me, aren't quite the same as they used to be. The movies, themselves, are mostly sweet, innocent, and age appropriate for children, however, the lifestyles of the actors and actresses who portray these squeaky clean characters, are living far from it, themselves. I could list names, but we all know them - those who have taken drugs, sold themselves in magazines, filmed rated 'R' movies, etc... It's truly unfortunate, as it makes it more and more difficult to enjoy what should be wholesome family entertainment.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

I have always liked Tim Allen as...Tim "the Tool Man" Taylor in the popular family sitcom Home Improvement. It was a great show on ABC from 1991 to 1999! My, it was a major part of our 90's - airing for eight seasons.

By the way, for the first time - All 8 Seasons of Home Improvement are available on DVD in 1 Collection! (Yeah! I know all the Tool Men in my family will be excited by that.) Plus, the collection, pictured to the right, comes in a very cool Toolbox Design! (click on pic or here for details!)

Tim has also been a very popular Santa Claus - playing Santa - Scott Calvin in all three Santa Clause Movies.... 1,2, & 3! I love them all - but the first is still my favorite!

And, of course, he is the ever popular voice of Buzz Lightyear in all three Toy Story Movies!

Now, Tim Allen returns to TV - to his original Home Improvement Network - ABC, in a new comedy sitcom titled: Last Man Standing.

Today it's a woman's world, and this man's man is on a mission to get men back to their rightful place in society.

Tim Allen returns to ABC in this new comedy from Jack Burditt (30 Rock). Men may have built civilizations, invented the locomotive and created ESPN, but they're about to find out that it's not a man's world anymore. You can't get manlier than Mike Baxter. He's the marketing director for an iconic outdoor sporting goods store, he loves to have adventures while he's traveling for work and, of course, he drives a pick-up truck. While Mike is king of the hill at work, he's the odd man out in a home that is dominated by women -- namely his wife, Vanessa, and their three daughters, 22- year-old Kristin, 17-year-old Mandy and 14-year-old Eve. After being a stay-at-home mom for years, Vanessa recently returned to the workplace and was quickly promoted (much to the dismay of her primarily male co-workers). As a result of Vanessa's increased work load, Mike is pulled into more hands-on parenting than ever before.

CAST:

Tim Allen as Tim

Nancy Travis as Vanessa

Molly Ephraim as Mandy

Alexandra Krosney as Kristin

Kaitlyn Dever as Eve

Hector Elizondo as Ed

I'm hoping this will be a great new family sitcom, because along with good male 'fatherly' role models on TV, family sitcoms seem to be nearly extinct!

I like the overall concept of the show, too - I think it's great to have a good Father Figure and a Man who is a Strong Manly 'Truck Driving' sort of Man! Makes me kind of want to do a Tool Man Grunt... "ARGH ARGH ARGH!"

You have heard about Rudolph and Frosty and Jack Frost, but there is one special character whose story has never been told — until now. That character is Hercules. Santa bestowed upon him the title of “Naughty and Nice List Maker.” It is also Hercules’ duty to select one child each year on the Naughty List and give that child the opportunity to make the Nice List. But, the chosen child must prove they are worthy. This year, Hercules has chosen an orphan boy named Max Moogle.

Max Moogle, an adorable twelve year old boy with a knack for getting into mischief, is an orphan. He lives at the St. Joseph Orphanage and his dearest friend is the head of the orphanage, Sister Augustus. Max dreams of being part of a loving family. On the night of December 23rd, Max is returned to the orphanage by the latest family to attempt adopting him. The man yells out “Sorry it didn’t work out, Kid!”, as Max is dropped off on the steps of the orphanage and the man drives off in a hurry. Sister Augustus greets Max on the steps and hugs him. She is sorry that it didn’t work out and that they are having such a hard time placing him in a family. This is the fifth failure. She knows that somewhere the right family is out there, but they just need to see the “nice” side of Max and not the “naughty” side he shows to the world. Minutes later, alone on the front steps, Max hears a loud howl. Max follows the prints into the woods and is greeted by Hercules, a large talking dog.

Hercules leads Max on a magical sleigh ride to the North Pole and to Santa’s Workshop. Upon arrival, Max meets santa claus and is told what he needs to to do be moved from the Naughty list to the Nice list. Santa then sends Max and Hercules to San Francisco to help a bitter “down on his luck” man named RICK WILDER find the spirit of Christmas. In the human world, Hercules is invisible to everyone but Max, which leads to many hysterical encounters with innocent bystanders. Max decides that the first order of business is to help Rick secure the executive sales position he desperately wants at Jeffrey’s Toystore. Max and Hercules manage to do this but HELEN Dunn, a devious woman who also wants the same position, is comically ousted in the process. Helen vows revenge on Rick Wilder. Learning that Max is far from home, Rick phones Sister Augustus telling her that Max can stay with him until she can pick him up.

The normally tough-nosed Rick can’t help but to find a soft spot in his heart for Max and so does Sally, the executive assistant to Mr. Don Jeffrey, the CEO of a failing toy store where Rick has landed a job on a trial basis. Sally also forms a strong bond with Rick. But ELF Rondo, the evil leader of the naughty elves, has other plans in mind. Rondo needs to find a human filled with anti-Christmas spirit to retrieve Hercules’ magical collar and teleport him back to the far north. With possession of the magic collar, Rondo will be the one in charge of the Naughty and Nice Lists, and will have eternal life. Helen is the logical choice and she is summoned to capture Hercules and to remove the magical collar bestowed upon him by Santa. Without the collar, Hercules will lose all his magical powers and fade away.

Helen manages to carry out Rondo’s evil mission and Max is forced to say goodbye to Hercules. Through tears, Max explains to Rick that he must return to the North Pole in order to rescue Hercules. Using the contents of a shaved ice truck, Max summons Hercules’ magical sleigh. Rick hops aboard the magical sleigh and joins Max on a journey back to the North Pole.

Following a meeting with Santa and his elves, both Rick and Max are sent to rescue Hercules. But will they be in time?

The story is full of magic, heart, and funny antics. It takes a man who is down on his luck and has forgotten what Christmas is all about and, with Max and Hercules’ help, he becomes a believer again in Christmas, magic, Santa, and all the good in humanity.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Even though this blog is all about Movies, I still love all family friendly shows - including Movies, Dramas, and Sitcoms!

For those of you wondering...What is Antenna TV ?

Antenna TV is a network that features classic television programs and favorite movies, like Father Knows Best! Antenna TV is a Local Digital Station you can only receive through a digital converter box or Digital TV. Visit Antenna TV's web-site for more details & check to see if it is available in your area!

Antenna TV launched their network on January 1, 2011 and I'm happy to say our family has enjoyed their station since day 1. Our entire family - whether it be the adults or children) has thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon block from 1PM - 4 PM of Fathers Knows Best, Dennis the Menace, and Hazel (with 2 shows each). It could only be better- if they kept it just like that and added in Leave it to Beaver, The Donna Reed Show, Ozzie & Harriet, My Three Sons, or something of that nature - but, they are not.

Antenna TV is, unfortunately, changing their schedule - as of May 30, 2011.

Well, there it is. I'm not so sure our family is going to like this new Antenna TV line-up. And, please note, I absolutely do not condone or promote all of these programs listed above. I just wanted you to see the complete listings. I enjoy and only support the classic wholesome family programs listed above, like Dennis the Menace, Hazel, etc... I was hoping for more family shows like this.

What do you think of the new line-up for Antenna TV?Do you have Antenna TV?What classic shows do you wish were on TV?

Catch the The 19th Annual MOVIEGUIDE® Faith & Values Awards on Hallmark Movie Channel. The Awards Program has been rescheduled for 7 PM est and will include Highlights from the original Faith & Values Awards Program.

These awards honor family entertainment and entertainment with inspiring, redemptive themes.

Friday, May 13, 2011

I saw a preview of this week's upcoming Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and just had to share this inspiring story....

Patrick Sharrock, of Rossville, Georgia may be only nine years old, but he has a rare genetic disorder known as brittle bone disease, and even the slightest of bumps can cause a broken bone. Extreme Makeover Home Edition has built a safe home for Patrick to grow up in.

Atticus Shaffer, who is 12 years old, portrays Brick Heck on the ABC sitcom The Middle and also has osteogenesis imperfecta, better known as brittle bone disease. Patrick and his family will make a surprise visit to the set of The Middle and meet the entire cast while their new home is being built.

*Due to the subject content, I do not recommend this movie for children or family viewing.

This movie has been compared to The Lake House. I also will compare it with the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, The Love Letter - because all of these movies deal with someone meeting someone from the past and falling in love.

ABC Family's two-hour original movie, "Cyberbully," follows Taylor Hillridge (Osment), a teenage girl who falls victim to online bullying, and the cost it nearly takes on her and her family. Taylor is a pretty 17-year-old high school student but a little awkward, and painfully aware of it. When her mom gives her a computer for her birthday, Taylor is excited by the prospect of freedom and the independence of going online without her mother always looking over her shoulder. However, Taylor soon finds herself the victim of betrayal and bullying while visiting a social website, and afraid to face her peers at school, including her best friend (Panabaker), she is pushed to a breaking point. It's only after this life-changing event that Taylor learns that she is not alone - meeting other teens, including a classmate, who have had similar experiences. Taylor's mom, Kris (Rowan), reels from the incident and takes on the school system and state legislation to help prevent others from going through the same harrowing ordeal as her daughter.

"Cyberbully" was written by Teena Booth and directed by Charles Binamé. Executive producers are Michael Prupas and Joel Rice.

MUSIC:

Emily Osment single “Drift” premieres in the ABC Family Original Movie “Cyberbully.”
Listen to it, here.

Movie Review:

Emily Osment reminds me of Reese Witherspoon and my best friend, back in high school (just a few, (gulping), years ago!). Emily is such a sweet girl, best known for her wholesome Disney image and role as Lilly, on Hannah Montana - which I guess is why this movie is all the more intriguing.

My thoughts after watching...

Wow! This movie was extremely intense and powerful. I'm hoping it has opened the eyes of many young people and parents. Bullying is real in person and on-line.

Parents should always beware of any social-networking site that a child/teen is active in.

I found this movie to be very realistic for all of the first part. Taylor Hillridge (Osment), is totally attacked on-line and called horrible names. Classmates and total strangers are rude, mean, and relentless in spreading terrible lies. There is a lot of typing back and forth on their computers, etc... and it's difficult sometimes to catch it all - but lots of cursing and slang lingo was used to stereotype Taylor as being - well,... a slut. Which, she isn't.

This movie is definitely not for younger viewers. Mature Pre-teens and Teenagers need to see this show - to hopefully prevent further bullying and warn them against potential dangers online. Taylor learns that two people who have injured her the most on-line are actually people she thought she could trust - first, her brother and then, her supposed best friend, Samantha.

The part I didn't find to be truly realistic... After Samantha betrayed Taylor and bullied her almost to the point of taking her life, Taylor learns what her friend did and eventually forgives Samantha, choosing to be her friend again. She states that it may not be in the same way (well, duh?) - but, I personally don't know how she could ever trust her again. Forgiveness is one thing, but actually being her friend again was unrealistic for me. They also confront the bullies at school together - in the lunchroom and other students stand up and support them. The bullies eventually just walk out - acting defeated. Would that happen in real life? - most likely not.

Overall, however, there is a good message in this movie. Taylor's mother is very sweet and somewhat overprotective, yet this attack came upon her daughter so quickly, she couldn't prevent the emotional turmoil it caused in Taylor. She does her best to help her daughter - telling Taylor her life is precious and eventually she takes her to a support group. It was good for Taylor and others to learn and understand that they are not alone in this.

See or Skip:

See... especially Parents and Tweens/Teens who are on Social Networking Sites.

ABOUT ME

Hello Blog Friends & Followers! My Nickname is Net and more than Anything, I love my Savior, Jesus, and my precious Family! It's my joy to share and review Movies here on this Blog ~ that the entire Family can watch together on TV! Thank YOU so much for stopping by, Please leave a Comment... I enjoy hearing from You! ~ Net

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